The violence against Christians in Orissa, India has continued into its second week following the assassination of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on August 23 (click here for more) with no immediate end in sight. According to a September 4 report from the Evangelical Fellowship of India, the Christian death toll has reached 42.

Relief camps in Orissa have been targeted by militants attempting to poison water supplies. Six Christians became ill in a relief camp in the town of Raikia after drinking poisoned water and there have been reports of similar attempts in other state camps. Several reports of Christians being threatened with violence if they refuse to convert to Hinduism have also been received.

As members of one Body, please remember India's Christians in your prayers. Pray that, as sufferings overflow, their comfort in Christ will be more than enough for them (2 Corinthians 1:5). Ask God to bring peace and restoration to this area.

To view a recent investigative report by the Indian television broadcaster IBN, click here. For more information on India's persecuted Christians, go to India's Country Report.